Get snapping and enter the 2016 Heritage Bank Photographic Awards

More than $8000 in prizes up for grabs, including $1500 for Open and Theme category winners

Free online entries

The famous Heritage Bank Photographic Awards are back again in 2016, offering more than $8,000 in prizes to creative shutterbugs around the country.

Now in their 28th year, the awards will once again showcase the talents of professional and amateur photographers across Australia.

Entries are accepted in two categories again this year. The first is the Open Category, in which the choice of subject is totally up to the photographer. The second is the Themed Category “Promises” which is up to the photographer’s interpretation.

Heritage Bank CEO Mr Peter Lock said the national competition continued to attract strong interest each year from professional and amateur photographers alike.

“Through these awards, people have a chance to showcase their photographic creativity locally, nationally and all over the world,” Mr Lock said.

“There are no entry fees and photos can be submitted online which makes it easier for more people to get involved.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the diversity of subjects covered in the Open Category and this year’s ‘Promises’ Themed Category also lends itself to many exciting interpretations.

“Photographers get to put their own twist on the subject – it’s totally up to them.”

The competition is open to Australian residents with no background or experience restrictions in place.

The winners of the Open and Themed categories each receive $1500. The CEO’s Choice award winner will receive $500.

The winner of the Bruce Mackenzie Memorial Award for young photographers will receive $1000, courtesy of the Mackenzie Family and the Toowoomba Chronicle. The Alwyn Kucks Memorial Award of $500 will go to an image from a Toowoomba region photographer.

There are also prizes offer in three youth categories: 7-9 years; 10-13; and 14-17.

Entries in this year’s awards close on 30 June. The winners will be advised in early August and the top 50 images will go on exhibition at the USQ Arts Gallery in Toowoomba from 30 August to 30 September.

* Based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.